Ambassadors of the institute, television identity Sarah Murdoch, swimmer Stephanie Rice and Dr Andrew Rochford, will today head to The Hills Grammar School, Kenthurst, to launch the Step-a-thon and encourage kids to sign up and get involved.

"The Foxtel lap was great...but it was sort of taking the concept of that and trying to involve children," The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute ambassador Murdoch said.

Sarah Murdoch high fives kids at Hills Grammar in Kenthurst after they set some great numbers with their pedometers. Sarah Murdoch launches Stepathon in Sydney.Source: News Limited

"What I love about this is it's about kids supporting kids.

"I hope to see lots of children walking around with slap bands around their wrist and counting their steps."

The money raised from the event, which will run from September 2-8, will be used to research issues such as cancer, heart disease, allergies, diabetes and depression.

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